The fall-out focused on teens and vaping continues to become more and more intense and tragic. Twenty-six people have died from the vaping-related illnesses that are sweeping the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Thursday.
The deaths were confirmed in a total of 21 different states, including three in California, two in Georgia and two in Kansas.
The total number of incidents from vaping are a total of 1,299 confirmed or probable lung injury cases. All of these have been related to vaping and have been reported to the CDC as of Tuesday, an increase of 219 cases from last week.
Of the 573 patients who provided information about what products they had used, 76 percent reported vaping THC, with or without nicotine-containing products.
Thirty-two percent said they vaped THC exclusively, while 13 percent said they only vaped nicotine products.
The CDC says it still doesn’t know the cause of the illnesses, and no brand or substance has been linked to all cases.
It could very well not be THC or nicotine that is making people sick, but it could be any number of the chemicals or additives that are found in vaping liquids, particularly those bought off the street.
A study conducted last month in Illinois and Wisconsin showed most patients there became sick after vaping THC products sold under the brand name “Dank Vapes,” which does not appear to be a legitimate manufacturer.
What do you think should be done regarding this rise in cases of deaths and related illnesses from vaping? Should there be an immediate shut-down of companies producing the products, or do you think more investigation is necessary first? Should any criminal action be taken? We look forward to seeing what your thoughts are on this issue. Please leave your comments in the section just below this article.